Acces conditions to the Doctorate — EU (outside Belgium)

The 3^rd cycle is the highest level of university studies.

Access conditions to the 3rd cycle for students with a degree obtained in the European Union (outside Belgium)

Preliminary remarks

► The doctorate includes :

• the doctoral training, sanctioned by the research training certificate. No one can obtain the degree of doctor if he or she has not successfully completed a corresponding doctoral training.
• the work related to the preparation of a thesis and the defence of this thesis, sanctioned by the academic degree of doctor

► For any admission to the doctorate for the academic year 2025-2026, check whether you meet the General Access Conditions and the specific conditions developed below.

If so, complete the online form and upload your documents in PDF format before
1^st June 2026.

Specific conditions

1. Diploma and previous results

Access to 3rd cycle studies is reserved for students with a master's degree (2nd cycle or equivalent) obtained after 5 years of study (300 credits/ECTS). At some colleges, doctoral candidates must have obtained a distinction (or a grade deemed equivalent) at the end of their master's degree. This requirement must be verified with the relevant faculty.

Furthermore, your previous higher education experience cannot be in contravention of the decree of 11 April 2014, art. 5.

2. Promoter and thesis project

To apply for admission to a doctoral programme, you must have a defined thesis project and the written agreement of a promoter.

To find a sponsor, please consult the research directory on the Federal Science Policy website. You can also surf to:

- resources-and-supports

- start-a-thesis

We also advise you to consult the General doctoral regulations.

Online form

If you meet the conditions described above, complete the online form below by 1^st June 2026 at the latest.

See also:

Start a PhD

Research and innovation

Funding for my research project

PREPARING YOUR ARRIVAL IN BELGIUM